The Muslim Personality

The Muslim Personality by Muhammad S. Adly explores the defining traits of the true Muslim and believer, drawing directly from the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the understanding of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.

This 142-page paperback outlines the moral conduct, spiritual character and inward qualities that exemplify a Muslim who lives with sincerity, faith and righteous behavior.

Why Character Rather Than Practice

Because the Prophet ﷺ said he was sent to perfect noble character — not to add rituals, but to perfect character. A person whose worship is correct and whose conduct is poor has failed on the religion's own stated terms.

It is also the part that is visible. Nobody sees your night prayer; everybody sees how you speak to someone who has annoyed you.

The Qualities It Treats

Sincerity, because an act done for others is weighed differently. Humility, which the sources treat as the opposite of the first sin ever committed. Patience, mentioned in the Qur'an more than ninety times. Tawakkul — reliance on Allah while still taking the means. And justice, including toward people you dislike, which the Qur'an addresses directly.

Who It Is For

Any Muslim working on himself. Also useful for young adults forming their character, and in an era where identity and authenticity are increasingly contested, for anyone asking what a Muslim is supposed to be rather than only what he must do.

About the Author

Shaykh Muhammad S. Adly is Director of the Islamic Center of Columbia, South Carolina. His books come out of decades of teaching new Muslims in masajid, in the Department of Corrections and in free college programs — and that shows in how they are written: plainly, from the beginning, assuming nothing.

Related Reading

• Manners in Islam (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad) — Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Al-Bukhari
• Characteristics of the Hypocrites — the characteristics of the hypocrites
• Hearts that Think, See, and Remember — the spiritual heart